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Ibrahim Mahama engages with future artists during UFS visit

14 May 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Supplied

Ghanaian contemporary artist, Ibrahim Mahama, visited the Department of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS) to share insights with staff and students during his stay in the country.

Dr Adelheid Von Maltitz, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts at the UFS, highlighted the significance of Mahama’s visit which took place from 21 to 28 March 2024, marking the first instance of such interaction between a Fine Arts department in South Africa and Mahama. She remarked, “It is truly astounding that a person of his calibre dedicated time to focus on our department, and I believe this has catalysed a positive shift within our department.”

Mahama’s impactful presence at UFS

Dr Von Maltitz emphasised that Mahama’s visit aimed to offer staff and students a glimpse into his artistic process and mindset. During his time at the UFS, Mahama, who was virtually overseeing his latest recent large-scale artwork titled Purple Hibiscus, which involved wrapping the Barbican Centre in London, engaged extensively with staff and students from the department about their research. He shared insights into his creative journey, presented select works, and conducted critique sessions with fourth year and postgraduate students, among other activities. Dr Von Maltitz believes this interaction, particularly with students, has significantly bolstered their confidence as aspiring artists, preparing them for professional endeavours.

Broader implications and future prospects

Mahama’s visit not only energised the department’s academic environment but also holds broader implications. Dr Von Maltitz asserted that it will solidify the department’s identity nationally and create avenues for students to pursue residencies in countries like Ghana. Therefore, maintaining a fruitful relationship with Mahama remains a priority for the department.

Reflecting on the visit Dr Von Maltitz concluded, ‘’the key takeaway, especially for the students, was witnessing the potential of their works within the broader South African and international contexts. “

News Archive

UFS council appoints new representatives

2006-06-14

From the left are Dr Vicky le Roux and Mr Jan Grobler, both are former members of the Executive Committee of the Council, Judge Faan Hancke, chairperson of the Council, and Prof. Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.
Photo: Stephen Collett

UFS council appoints new representatives

Three new representatives were elected on the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Council during its second seating for 2006. This includes representatives from the religious community, alumni, donors and the Minister of Education.

Ms Cheryl Gillwald, former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, has been appointed by the Minister of Education as ministerial representative in the place of Prof Shirley Walters and will serve for the rest of Prof Walters’ term.

Father Patrick Towe, Roman Catholic priest from Bloemfontein, was appointed as representative of the religious community. Father Towe is member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and chairperson of the UFS Campus Ministries.

Adv Mauritz Randlehoff, joint deputy chairperson of the national Kovsie-Alumni Association and deputy chairperson of the Kovsie-Alumni Trust, was elected as one of the three representatives out of UFS alumni on the Council. Judge Faan Hancke was re-elected as representative of the alumni for a second term.

Mr Klippies Steenkamp as representative of the UFS donors has also been re-elected. He was, among others, chairperson of the Kovsie-Alumni Association and founding member of the Kovsie-Alumni Trust’s council of trustees.

The university also bid farewell to two members of Council, Dr Vicky le Roux and Mr Jan Grobler. Both were members of the Executive Committee of the Council. Mr Grobler represented the UFS Council in the Institutional Forum and Dr le Roux was a representative of the Council in the Institutional Forum and the Senate. Together they have serve thirty nine years on the Council.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
13 June 2006

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